ISLAMABAD, (TDI): Afghanistan’s Chargé d’Affaires, Mawlawi Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) opens up significant opportunities for his nation to strengthen its infrastructure and trade relations.
He made these comments at a seminar titled “Strengthening Economic Ties between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia,” organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS).
During his address, he emphasized that Afghanistan will not allow its territory to be used by terrorist groups against Pakistan.
He further noted that Afghanistan’s involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative would not only boost investments in its infrastructure but also strengthen relationships among regional countries.
“We believe that trilateral cooperation among Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China can usher in a new era of regional collaboration,” he remarked.
Highlighting Pakistan as a key trade partner, Mawlawi Shakeeb reaffirmed the Afghan interim administration’s commitment to enhancing trade and investment between the two nations.
He acknowledged recent challenges in trade relations but expressed optimism about revitalizing economic ties.
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Mawlawi Shakeeb pointed out several significant obstacles to trade flow, including Western sanctions, frequent border closures, limited customs facilitation, sudden tariff increases, and extensive checks on loaded vehicles.
He stressed the need for both countries to invest in trade infrastructure, streamline customs processes, improve trade facilities, develop transportation links, build mutual trust, and enhance diplomatic dialogue to achieve long-term trade benefits.
He called for greater collaboration on economic policies an the expansion of transportation and transit projects, advocating for sustained diplomatic engagement among regional countries and joint efforts for peace and security to lay a strong foundation for regional economic cooperation.
He also urged against imposing economic restrictions that could hinder collaboration.
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Mawlawi Shakeeb highlighted Afghanistan’s strategic role as a bridge between South and Central Asia, noting that the Afghan interim administration has begun work on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, with Kazakhstan showing interest in joining the project.
Additionally, he mentioned Afghanistan’s focus on implementing initiatives like the Trans-Afghan Railway, CASA-1000, and other regional projects.
In his remarks, President IRS Ambassador Jauhar Saleem emphasized the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for facilitating intraregional trade and economic prosperity.
He warned that insecurity in Afghanistan and the inability to curb terrorism would obstruct regional economic cooperation, which is crucial for bringing prosperity to the entire neighborhood.
